Southend hospital neglect led to man’s death – coroner

The coroner highlighted there had been confusion from the medical trust about what was required to ensure a patient waiting on a Mental Health Act assessment could be put under one-to-one observation.

She said Mid and South Essex Trust’s policy on the issue was “confusing”.

Ms Hayes said: “There is a lacuna for patients awaiting Mental Health Act assessment and requiring simultaneous physical healthcare when a significant risk has been identified such that a patient may require detention for their own safety.”

Matthew Hopkins, chief executive of Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust said a full investigation took place following Mr Deeley’s death.

He said: “We have improved our policies and procedures to ensure the safe supervision of mental health patients on our wards. Immediate action was taken to secure the windows and appropriate action has been taken to ensure that our windows are safe for all patients.”

Paul Scott, CEO of EPUT, said the trust would look at the coroner’s recommendations and was “committed to ensuring patients receive the right care at the right time”.

He said the trust’s mental health liaison teams worked closely to ensure patients “receive the most appropriate mental health support to meet their individual needs”.